Entertainment

Discovering the Hidden Gems of London’s Leisure Scene

Published

1 year ago

July 3, 2024

London is a city that never sleeps, offering endless possibilities for fun and relaxation. While tourists flock to famous landmarks, there’s a whole world of exciting activities waiting to be discovered. In this article, we will take you on a journey through London’s lesser-known leisure spots and experiences. We’ll explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, artistic soul, literary treasures, green spaces, and unique cultural offerings.

Nighttime Adventures in the Big Smoke

When the sun goes down, London comes alive with energy and excitement. The city’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from cozy pubs to high-end casinos. Many visitors are surprised by the variety of evening activities available in London.

One popular nighttime activity is visiting a casino. London’s casinos offer an unmatched gambling experience. Additionally, you get to enjoy live music, themed events, and fancy dinning. Some casinos even have special game nights where you can play board games while enjoying a drink.

Better yet, to cater to mobile players, some casinos in the UK have mobile-customized websites for those nights when you can’t make it to physical venues. With these casino apps, you can still enjoy numerous casino games like slots, table games, and live dealer games. Additionally, funding your account is seamless, and you have access to 24/7 customer service.

Uncovering London’s Artistic Treasures

London is a paradise for art lovers, with countless galleries and museums to explore. But there’s more to the city’s art scene than just famous museums. London has many hidden artistic gems waiting to be discovered.

One great way to experience London’s art is through free exhibitions. Many galleries have special evening events where you can see art and meet other art fans. The National Gallery, for example, has ‘Friday Lates’ which allows visitors to explore the museum after closing hours.

If you prefer something more active, try a street art tour. Areas like Shoreditch are famous for their colorful murals and graffiti. These tours let you see amazing art while learning about the city’s history and culture.

For a hands-on art experience, try a painting class. Many places offer fun sessions where you can create your own artwork. Some even let you enjoy a drink while you paint. It’s a great way to make a unique souvenir of your trip.

A Journey Through Literary London

London has a rich literary history that book lovers will adore. The city has been home to many famous writers over the years. There are lots of ways to explore London’s bookish side.

One must-visit spot is the London Library. This huge library has books dating back to 1841 and is an ideal place where you can spend your afternoon browsing rare and interesting books. You can also visit the homes of famous authors like Charles Dickens to see where they lived and worked.

For a more modern literary experience, check out London’s independent bookshops. These shops often host author readings and book signings. You might get to meet your favorite writer or discover a new one.

London also offers unique literary experiences. You can watch Shakespeare plays performed outdoors in the park. Some hotels even serve afternoon tea with treats inspired by famous books. These fun activities bring literature to life in unexpected ways.

Green Escapes in the Heart of the City

Despite being a big city, London has many beautiful parks and green spaces. Spending time in these areas can be good for your health and happiness. Being out in nature can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

One of London’s most famous parks is Hyde Park. Here, you can rent a boat and paddle on the lake. It’s a peaceful way to escape the busy city for a while. If you want a challenge, try hiking to the top of Hampstead Heath for amazing views of London.

London also has some lesser-known green spaces. The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a beautiful Japanese-style garden. It’s a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. Another hidden gem is the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, an old park that’s becoming popular again.

Experiencing London’s Pub Culture

No trip to London is complete without visiting a pub. Pubs are a big part of London’s culture and social life. There are thousands of pubs in the city, each with its own personality.

Pubs in London offer more than just drinks. Many serve delicious food, from traditional British dishes to modern cuisine. Some pubs have special nights for games like darts or pool. Others host pub quizzes where you can test your knowledge and win prizes.

Visiting a pub is a great way to meet local people and experience London culture. You can enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace or join a lively crowd watching a sports game. Pubs are welcoming places where you can relax and feel like a true Londoner.

Unusual and Quirky London Experiences

London is full of unusual and interesting places to visit. These quirky spots show off the city’s unique personality and offer unique experiences.

One strange but fascinating place is the Dennis Severs’ House. This museum is set up like a home from the 1700s. It feels like stepping back in time when you visit. Another odd but fun museum is the Horniman Museum. Here, you can see all sorts of weird things, from old musical instruments to stuffed animals.

For a spooky experience, try a Jack the Ripper walking tour. These tours take you through the streets where a famous criminal once walked. It’s a creepy but exciting way to learn about London’s history.

Entertainment

DJ Yoda brings the ’80s back to life at The Queens Hall, Narberth

Published

4 days ago

July 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025

AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.

From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.

A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.

Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

Entertainment

Torch Theatre welcomes new community reviewer Emma Cox

Published

4 days ago

July 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.

A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.

“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”

Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”

During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.

She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.

“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.

As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.

“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”

Entertainment

Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare

Published

1 week ago

July 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday

THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident.

Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace.

Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history an event had been cancelled in this way.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.”

Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously.

The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions.

Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am.

“We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,” the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening.

No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation.

The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.